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Category Archives: Showtime
UNDEFEATED UKRAINIAN WELTERWEIGHT TARAS SHELESTYUK FACES UPSET-MINDED JAIME HERRERA IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION TRIPLEHEADER FRIDAY, NOV. 4, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Undefeated Cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru & Stivens Bujaj Meet In Co-feature; Nephew of Former World Champion Popo Freitas, Vitor Jones Freitas Faces Manuel Mendez
Live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
From Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.
Tickets on Sale Now
NEW YORK (Oct. 13, 2016) – Undefeated 2012 Olympic Bronze MedalistTaras “Real Deal” Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs) will face upset-minded Jaime Herrera in the 10-round welterweight main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation tripleheader on Friday, Nov. 4, live on SHOWTIME at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) from Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, Calif.
Shelestyuk (14-0, 9 KOs), of Los Angeles by way of the Ukraine, was a member of a 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team that included featherweight gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko and heavyweight gold medalist Oleksandr Usyk. Jaime Herrera (15-3-1, 8 KOs), of Chicago, Ill., has defeated unbeaten prospects in four of last nine fights and is 8-1-1 overall since July 2012.
In the co-feature, undefeated cruiserweights Constantin Bejenaru (11-0, 4 KOs, 0-1-1 in World Series of Boxing), of Catskill, N.Y. by way of Moldova, and Stivens “Superman” Bujaj (16-0-1, 11 KOs), of New York, will collide in a 10-rounder for the vacant WBC International and WBC Continental Americas titles.
In the opening bout of the telecast, undefeated lightweight Vitor Jones Freitas (12-0, 1 ND, 6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will be opposed by local fan favorite Manuel Mendez (12-1-2, 8 KOs), of Indio, Calif., in an eight-round bout. The 23-year-old Freitas is the nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas.
Four of the six fighters on the distinctly international tripleheader will risk their unbeaten records against what likely will be their toughest assignments to date. Shelestyuk and Bejanaru will be making their second ShoBox starts. It’s also the second time ShoBox has aired from Omega. The first took place Oct.5, 2007, and featured victories by Yonnhy Perez and Mickey Bey Jr., who would both go on to become world champions, two of the 67 boxers on ShoBox to do so.
Tickets for the event promoted by Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing, Hitz Boxing and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing are priced at $100 (ringside), $70 (reserved) and $50 (general admission) and can be purchased by calling (714) 935-0900.
TARAS SHELESTYUK VS. JAIME HERRERA – 10-Round Welterweight Main Event
Taras Shelestyuk (pronounced “TARE-as SHELL-es-took) averaged 85 punches per round in his ShoBox debut last November, winning an impressive 10-round unanimous decision over Aslanbek Kozaev. In his most recent start and lone outing this year last May 20, the 5-foot-10, 30-year-old Shelestyuk knocked out Erick Martinez in the third round at Ontario, Calif.
“My training is going great, I am more powerful and my speed is better,” said the former international standout. “Herrera is a rough fighter, but it doesn’t matter to me because I am looking to step up and get into championship level fights.’’
Shelestyuk, who is trained by Eric Brown at Wild Card West, possesses solid skills, movement and punching power. Since turning pro in March 2013 he has exclusively campaigned in the United States. Many from the outstanding 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team became immediate prospects as professionals, including Lomachenko, who won a featherweight world championship in just his third fight on SHOWTIME. Now, it’s Shelestyuk’s turn to step up to the plate.
“I follow the 2012 Ukrainian Olympic team, and all the guys are doing very well and I’m happy for them,’’ said Shelestyuk, who went 300-15 in the amateurs. “But I do not compare my results with anybody else because I have my own career and my own path to a championship belt, and I am enjoying this journey.”
Herrera, a pro since December 2009, seems to be a legitimate test for Shelestyuk. Herrera has won three straight, defeated undefeated prospects in four of last nine fights, and is 8-1-1 overall since dropping a decision to Adrian Granados in 2012. One of those wins was an upset knockout of one-time highly ranked welterweight and world title challenger Mike “Machine Gun” Jones on Aug. 23, 2014.
“Taras is a great fighter and I know I’m the underdog, but I’ve surprised some fighters before and I’m confident and ready to give it my best and win again,” said Herrera. “I’m coming into this fight with the same mentality I had in those fights against the other unbeaten guys. The way I see it, Taras has everything to lose and I fight as I have nothing to lose.’’
“I’ve been training very seriously and I’m excited to be able to showcase my skills on television. I grew up watching ShoBox. There will be more eyes on me and they will see my ability to fight. Getting a win will increase my ranking and open up more doors for my career.”
CONSTANTIN BEJENARU VS. STIVENS BUJAJ – 10-Round Cruiserweight Bout
Bejenaru (pronounced “bay-zhin-nah-ROO”) was an accomplished amateur. The southpaw boxed on the Romanian national team for 10 years and was a nine-time national champion.
In his ShoBox premiere last April 15, the active and athletic native of Ungheni, Moldova, scored a unanimous eight-round decision over previously unbeatenAlexey Zubov (10-0), a former Russian amateur champion and seven-time European amateur champion.
Bejenaru is anxious to return to ShoBox and continue his winning ways. “Bujaj is a great boxer, we are both undefeated but there can only be one victor, and I do not plan on losing this fight,’’ he said. “I entered this fight with the intention of winning. That is what I train to do, that is what I am going to do.
“As a man who has been boxing for over 22 years, I feel extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity. In my previous ShoBox fight, I was labeled as the underdog. Those who doubted me quickly changed their opinions once they saw me fight, and even more so once the referee raised my hand in victory.’’
Bujaj (pronounced “Boo-ha”) was born in Kelmend, Albania, but relocated to the Bronx, New York at an early age. The unbeaten prospect was a two-time New York Golden Gloves Champion at heavyweight who’s made for good fights every time out and mostly made it look easy. This is Bujaj’s third scheduled 10-round start, while Bejenaru will be making his 10-round debut.
The 26-year-old has won his last four in a row, including his last two by knockout, since boxing a split 10-round draw in a slugfest with then-undefeated three-time Chicago Golden Gloves champion Junior Wright (10-0) in May 2014.
“I’m getting prepared,’’ said Bujah who’s coming off a first-round TKO over previously undefeated beaten Sergio Ramirez (11-0) on June 11. “I’m training like this is a world title fight, and I’m totally ready to win. I know my opponent is undefeated and I can’t overlook him. The way I feel, I’m on my ‘A’ Game. I was training in Las Vegas and now I am back in New York with Sharif Younan and I am ready to do everything I can to win this fight.
“This is the exposure and opportunity I’ve been waiting for. I just want to pick up these WBC titles that we are fighting for and be bumped up the rankings. Once I pick up these belts, I will be in the top 10 and anything is possible.’’
VITOR JONES FREITAS VS. MANUEL MENDEZ – Eight-Round Lightweight Bout
The nephew of popular former two-time lightweight world champion Acelino “Popo” Freitas has been victorious in 12 consecutive bouts since fighting a No-Contest in his pro debut in July 2012. He’s coming off a fifth-round TKO over Rodolfo Franz last May 21.
Two outings ago, Freitas captured the Brazilian lightweight crown with a 10-round decision over Sidney Siquiera. This will Freitas’ sixth U.S. start; his last five fights were in Brazil.
“My uncle had many great fights on SHOWTIME and on Nov. 4, I am looking to carry on his legacy,” Freitas said. “This will be another step in following in his footsteps to become a world champion.’’
Mendez, who is trained by the respected Joel Diaz, is coming off a fourth-round knockout over Erick Martinez this past Sept. 23 in Ontario. Mendez used a strong, bruising style in which he mixed his punches well to punish Martinez. The 5-foot-8, 26-year-old Mendez has gone 12-0-2 since getting stopped in his pro debut in October 2010.
“I am excited about this opportunity to fight on ShoBox,’’ said Mendez who is a sparring partner for Ruslan Provodnikov and Timothy Bradley. “I know with a win, my career will escalate to a new level. I am looking to knock out Vitor.”
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhoodand former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
# # #
About ShoBox: The New Generation
Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 67 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Omar Figueroa, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.
UNBEATEN TREY LIPPE MORRISON STOPS ED LATIMORE IN FIRST; “HOT ROD” KALAJDZIC WINS MAIN EVENT WITH IMPRESSIVE FIFTH-ROUND TKO OVER TRAVIS PETERKIN ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO
Ivan Baranchyk Wins Unanimous Decision over Wang Zhimin
Unbeaten Welterweight Ivan Golub Stops James Stevenson in Third
Watch The Replay Monday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHO EXTREME®
Click HERE To Download Photos
Photo Credit: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME®
MIAMI, Okla. (Sept. 24, 2016) – On a night when undefeated heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison won his television debut and Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk and Ivan “The Volk” Golub remained unbeaten, light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic regained his winning ways by registering a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Travis Peterkin in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME Friday from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
Making his ShoBox debut and first start since suffering his lone defeat on a disputed decision to Marcus Browne, a motivated Kalajdzic (22-1, 15 KOs) of St. Petersburg, Fla., dropped Peterkin (16-1-1, 7 KOs), of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., two times in the fifth before the fight was stopped at 1:32.
Other televised results: Baranchyk (12-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., took a 10-round unanimous decision over Wang Zhimin (7-1, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in the ShoBox co-feature; immensely popular local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (12-0, 12 KOs) demolished previously unbeaten Ed Latimore (13-1, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., scoring a 2:19, first-round TKO; and Ukrainian welterweight Golub (13-0, 11 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, registered a third-round knockout over James Stevenson(23-3, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.
Kalajdzic overwhelmed Peterkin with consistent aggression, superior fighting spirit and better power. He landed 45 percent of his power shots, including 60 percent in the final round. Plus, he led 37-7 in body connects.
“The one-dimensional nature of Travis Peterkin cost him big time because he had no answer for Hot Rod’s right hand, and when he threw his own power shots they were ineffective,’’ ShoBox expert analyst Steve Farhood said afterward. “He was exposed tonight, and Kalajdzic rejuvenated his career after the loss with Marcus Browne.”
A 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kalajdzic dropped Peterkin the first time with a right-left combination and finished him with a right-left-right combination. Peterkin fell heavily in a neutral corner, prompting the referee to stop it.
“He was a little bit awkward so it took me a little bit to find my range but once I did and I got into a rhythm, I knew he wasn’t going to last,’’ Kalajdzic said. “We have been working on staying patient and finding that range and it showed tonight.
“I wanted to make a statement in this fight and I did. I want the biggest names in the light heavyweight division, but before that I want Marcus Browne again. That is unfinished business for me. If he really thinks he won the fight then let’s do it again. We could fight next week. I’m ready.’’
Baranchyk, despite getting cut for the first time in his career (over his left eye in the fifth), won by the scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91. There were no knockdowns.
The rounds, particularly in the fight’s second half, were competitive. Both fighters landed a high percentage of power shots, 44 percent for Baranchyk, 41 percent for Zhimin, but the difference was that Baranchyk was busier, crisper and physically stronger.
Going more than four rounds for the first time, he answered questions about his late-round stamina and feels he is now ready to step up again.
“The 140-pound division is loaded with talent,’’ Baranchyk said. “There are tons of fighters I would love to fight, but there are two guys in particular I’d like to fight next: Maurice Hooker and Abel Ramos. Hooker is with Roc Nation and is above me in the ratings. He’s undefeated and this would be a great fight to prove I’m one of the best up-and-coming guys in this division. I’d love Ramos to fight Ramos too. We are both promoted by DBE and I have heard he called me out. He’s a come forward guy and those are the type of fights I like and that make for great TV.
“I love the fans here in Miami and I love fighting on ShoBox. This was my first time going 10 rounds and I feel great. Of course I would have liked to get the knockout because I always want to put on a spectacular show, but this was a great learning experience for me. He was an extremely tough opponent and I was surprised he was able to take so many big shots. We have been working on being patient and boxing and I was able to show that tonight.’’
Wang, who gave his best and never allowed Baranchyk to relax, said, “I felt a little tight and I couldn’t get my punches off like I wanted to. He was a little too big for me.’’
In a performance that lit up the arena, Lippe Morrison dropped Latimore two times and was on the verge of knocking him down again when the referee stepped in and halted matters at 2:19. Morrison decked Latimore the first time with a right hand midway through the first. Moments later, Latimore went down again from two rights and a left hook. After a series of shots, the referee stopped it.
“You know I have to watch the fight, but I think I did alright,’’ said Morrison after what was supposed to be the most dangerous assignment of his career. “I know I have to be patient and work behind my jab and just take the opening that I see – patiently. Being patient is something I’ve really been working on. I really felt my patience this time.
“I didn’t expect it to end this quick. I knew it might, but I didn’t plan on it. It felt good to drop a guy with my left hand. I never had the accuracy or quickness with the left that I do know. I now feel that I am equally adept with both hands. My left is like my right.
“To win a fight like this is definitely a relief. I was nervous about the fight, but not about fighting on TV. This was supposed to be my toughest fight on paper and I think I did well.
“I feel I may have opened some eyes, but that’s in large part to Freddie Roach. I feel I’m improving thanks to Freddie. I’m throwing quicker, snappier punches and the coordination between my footwork with my hands is way better. All that is because of Freddie.
“I wasn’t going for the KO but I’m glad it happened. I could not have done it without Freddie, that’s for sure. I’ll be going back to California in a week and then right to the gym.”
The knockout was Lippe Morrison’s ninth in the first round. He also has two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014.
“We want to see more of Trey Lippe Morrison,’’ Farhood said. “Let’s let Freddie Roach to do a little bit more of work with him. He had a tremendous pressure on him tonight, but he did fantastically and he responded very well. He made a big step up in class tonight and couldn’t have produced a better result: a first-round knockout.”
After a competitive, fast-paced first round, Golub took over as Stevenson appeared to tire. A picturesque right hook to the chin dropped and staggered Stevenson, who still wobbly, got up by the count of five, but Golub continued his two-fisted assault, delivered over 20 unanswered punches and the referee stopped it.
“To me the guy that stole the show was Golub,” said Farhood. “We keep thinking of him as a boxer but he showed tremendous power tonight. He knocked out a very sturdy opponent in Stevenson and Baranchyk will benefit tremendously by going 10 rounds. He showed a lot by throwing as many punches as he did late in the fight against an opponent who simply wouldn’t be hurt.’’
“I could see from the first round that he was leaving himself wide open when he was coming in,’’ said Golub after his second ShoBox start. “I knew it was only a matter of time until I caught him with something really big and I would get him out of there. I’m happy with the performance but know I still have a lot to improve on. Our game plan was to be patient and box and let him come to us. I’m looking forward to getting back in there soon and continuing to climb the ranks of the welterweight division.’’
Friday’s four-fight telecast that was promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions and Roc Nation Sports will re-air Monday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND beginning today, Saturday, Sept. 24.
Barry Tompkins called the ShoBox action from ringside with Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughanproducing and Rick Phillips directing.
FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER
TOMORROW/FRIDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® At 10 P.M. ET/PT
“Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Meets Travis Peterkin in Main Event,
Ivan Baranchyk Takes On Wang Zhimin, Trey Lippe Morrison
Faces Ed Latimore, Ivan Golub Battles James Stevenson
At Buffalo Run Casino, Miami, Okla.
Click HERE For Press Conference Photos
Click HERE For Weigh-in Photos
Photos by Tom Casino/SHOWTIME
MIAMI, Okla. (Sept. 22, 2016) – The eight fighters (combined record 114-3-1, 78 knockouts) featured on the ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 23, from the Buffalo Run Casino are set to go.
In the ShoBox main event, once-beaten Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Fla. will be opposed by undefeated Travis Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. in a 10-round light heavyweight scrap. Junior lightweight sensation Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., meets Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in the 10-round co-feature. Click HERE to watch a video of Baranchyk’s last fight, a 21 second KO.
Heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (11-0, 11 KOs), of Grove, Okla., the son of the late former world heavyweight champion Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, will make his television debut against fellow unbeaten Roc Nation prospect Ed “Black Magic” Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa, in a six-round bout and Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, N.Y. faces James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md., in an eight-rounder that will open the telecast.
The Weights: Kalajdzic weighed 175½ pounds, Peterkin 174; Baranchyk tipped the scale at 139¾ pounds, Zhimin 139½, Morrison weighed 221½ pounds, Latimore 219; and Golub weighed 146½ pounds, Stevenson 146.
Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.
Below is what the fighters had to say prior to Thursday’s weigh-in:
RADIVOJE KALAJDZIC
“This is my second 10-round fight and it is against another unbeaten southpaw from New York. I’m looking forward to this fight and I’m anxious to look ahead.
“I was very upset after my last fight [a controversial decision loss to unbeaten Marcus Browne]. I wasn’t really mad necessarily at myself or my team; it was mostly the referee. Then, afterward when I saw the reaction from the fans, who totally booed the decision, even took their Marcus Browne T-shirts off, I didn’t feel so badly.
“On Friday I want to come in and look great and hopefully stop this guy. I want to look better and cleaner than I did against Browne. I fought OK against Browne, but I should have used my jab more and not allowed him to grab and hold me so much.
“I was looking too much to land my right. I know I need to do better at setting it up by jabbing first. And by punching in bunches.
“A big win Friday won’t remove the overall sting of my last fight; nothing can erase the result. But since Browne doesn’t want to give me a rematch, I’m not going to just chase him. I have to move ahead.
“Against Peterkin, I want to keep it simple – jab, move and use the right hand. I need to keep him on the end of my punches. It looks like he comes at you but I’m going to come at him, too, in a smart way. I want to try and get inside, smother him. I never got that chance against Browne because of all the holding.
“Peterkin is undefeated, durable and coming to win. I expect a very tough fight. But everything is going according to plan. I had about sixth months of preparation. The errors I made in my last fight have been fixed. They won’t happen again. I have an opportunity in this fight to erase all the bitter memories of my last fight.’’
TRAVIS PETERKIN
“Making 175 pounds is OK. I can make the weight with no problem. So weight is no issue. If there was a weight class at 185, I’d probably be in it, but 175 is fine. I’m ready.
“I watched ‘Hot Rod’ closely against Browne. It was definitely a good fight. I feel Marcus could have won easily if he’d have finished the job in some of the rounds. If he stays outside he wins easily, but he wanted to make a point by going inside.
“Now ‘Hot Rod’ gets me, and this is a tremendous opportunity for me. He’s a good fighter and should have a zero there on his losses. He has power and is a decent counter-puncher. But we’ve prepared for him. We’re coming to win, box or brawl. This has been one of my best camps in a long time. I’m confident of a win.
“The key is controlling what goes on in the ring, be smart and listen to my corner. I feel this is definitely the toughest fight for me, and for him, too.
“’I’m looking forward to the fight and the opportunity to make a name for myself at 175. It’s been a long journey, but if I can be myself and do what I came here to do, I’ll be fine.’’
IVAN BARANCHYK
“This is like a second home for me, fighting in Miami. I like the people. They seem to like me. Friday should be an exciting night for everybody.
“My last two fights have ended quickly but I always train and plan to go 10 rounds. I never try for one-round knockouts. I look forward to the time when I can show off a little more of my boxing and overall skills. I do have patience.
“I think my opponent is very good and has a lot of experience. He’s better than the last two fighters I fought. I feel this fight could go some rounds. But I have power, so we’ll see.
“I work very hard in the gym. I spar 10 rounds every day. I got to spar a few rounds with Danny Garcia for this fight. Training with a world champion like him was a tremendous learning experience and it helped me a lot. I hope some of it shows on Friday.’’
WANG ZHIMIN
“I want to thank everyone for this chance to fight. I’m prepared for everything. My opponent is a very experienced boxer with a good reputation. This is definitely a step up and my biggest fight.
“I can promise you one thing: We’ll put on an exciting show for you.
“My goal is to ultimately be fighting for a world title. It takes a lot of time, patience and work inside the gym.
“I’m known for my aggressiveness but I’m constantly working on boxing more. I feel I’ve improved a lot since I was an amateur.
“So I’m ready for this fight. He may be a big puncher but I don’t look at his numbers. This is a solid matchup, a crossroads fight and a good opportunity for both of us.’’
TREY LIPPE MORRISON
“This is a real, significant step up for me but I have to approach it like I always do.
“Moving to Hollywood [Calif.] was a big change for me, but it meant I could train with Freddie Roach. He boosted my confidence just by the fact he agreed to take me on. So he must have seen something.
“There are so many things we work on: ring generalship, footwork, things to look for, stuff to avoid.
“This is a tough fight for both of us, a dangerous test. Latimore is definitely my toughest opponent so far.
“I know a lot of people are interested in watching me and seeing how I do because of my dad. But as I go on, they’ll see I’m my own person.
“Fighting here again at the Buffalo Run is always exciting but a ring is a ring; there is no home field advantage. I certainly appreciate the fans’ support but I can’t think about it.
“One of these days I’ll fight someone who can take my shots. It might be Latimore, but if it happens, I’ll be ready for it. As for me taking a shot, I’ve been rocked in sparring but not in a live fight.
“Hurting my right hand in my last fight was a real blessing. I knew I always had power in it but now I have speed and accuracy to go along with it. My hand hasn’t given me any problems at all in training. So I don’t think about it. If I hurt it again, I’ll just deal with it and fight on.’’
FREDDIE ROACH, Morrison’s Trainer
“I was supposed to be in the Philippines, but I’m very close with Manny Pacquiao and I told him, ‘Listen, Manny, I’m going to be a week late because I have a big fight with Trey coming up,’ and he said, ‘I’ll see you in a week. Get the win.’
“We are a 100 percent ready. We have great sparring partners. We’ve done great work and I know he’s coming from a broken hand and he hasn’t fought in a while, but his strengthening and conditioning is going really well. This is going to be a great fight and I expect him to be at his best. [Looking at Ed Latimore] You are going to feel his power.
“Trey has very good power and breaking his hand helped him. We got to develop both hands and now he has knockout power in both hands.
“Ed Latimore is a very difficult opponent, but I think Trey will beat him.’
ED LATIMORE
“My whole goal is to be totally calm, relaxed and in control. It’s not a physical or mental thing.
“I feel I’ve come a long way and I’m improving all the time. There were times when I was overthinking in the ring, but no more. I work on technique each and every day; my work ethic is impeccable.
“I’ve become such a better student of boxing. When I first started watching, I thought it was boring. Then I learned how to watch, and began to notice the subtle things going on. I now know what I’m looking at when I watch films and I see things totally different than I did before. Now I know what to do with what I learn.
“I may be small for a heavyweight but I’m never going to be one of those big guys so I do not put a lot of emphasis on size. If you can fight, you can fight. I work on developing skills. Punching power comes from technique and repetition, not always from size.
“I’m looking forward to a good fight. I have to stay composed. Morrison likes to come right out at you but I’m not planning to just let him come at me like he did his other opponents. I have something I plan to do that will give him something to think about.
“Fighting him is huge for me. His name means a lot. He’s the toughest guy I’ve fought. But I don’t think about my emotions and fighting in his hometown. We knew what we were getting into and there’s nothing we can do about it. There are things that are beyond your control.
“I’m still in school, majoring in physics, but I took a semester off. Then, this opportunity came along. No way I could do both right now. I enjoy how far I’ve come in boxing. I think the hard work is paying off.
“I’m confident I’ll win Friday. It’s going to be a great.’’
IVAN GOLUB
“I’ve been working mainly on my inside game and setting down on my punches lately. I know Stevenson is a good boxer, a slick guy who knows what do to. I have to try and stay patient, work the jab, work the body and put on pressure.
“In the amateurs it was more about points. Winning was OK with points but in the U.S. you need more than that.
“My mindset going into every fight is on going the distance. I’m looking forward to fighting Stevenson. Besides his boxing ability, he takes a good shot.
“This will be a real test for me, my toughest test. I’m a natural 160 but can make welterweight easily. It’s been a good camp for me.’’
JAMES STEVENSON
“I think my opponent is probably taking me lightly. But he’s going to see a different me. I’m looking at this as a must-win, can-win fight. The birth of my daughter recently totally woke me up. It made me realize it was time to straighten up, stop running the streets and totally focus on my job. I have to take care of her. The added responsibility made me change my ways.
“So this training camp has been totally different than any I’ve had before. I’m really prepared. I didn’t come here to run, I’m coming to win. I’m certainly not here to be anyone’s opponent.
“It’s been crazy in my hometown. The whole city of Baltimore is behind me, and that is very exciting. Fridayis the most important fight ever for me and I am looking forward to it.
“I’m confident I can be the first to defeat Golub.’’
GORDON HALL, Senior Vice President of Production, SHOWTIME Sports & Executive Producer,ShoBox: The New Generation
“Tomorrow night we have eight fighters with a total combined record of 114-3-1. We have undefeated fighters facing each other. We had 151 fighters fight on ShoBox, and lose that 0. Tomorrow night, on the second matchup of the night, we have two undefeated heavyweights. Trey Lippe Morrison’s father may have been Tommy, but we are not here because he’s Tommy’s son. We are here because we believe that Trey Lippe Morrison can fight and he’s taking a big step up in taking on Ed Latimore. It’s a big fight for both fighters and I credit them for taking the matchup.
“Ivan Golub had 300 amateur fights. He’s an accomplished fighter, we had him once before on ShoBox and he’s taking on James Stevenson, a veteran fighter, who’s not coming here to lose.
“Ivan Baranchyk, the adopted son of Buffalo Run Casino here in Miami. He’s one of the fighters you want to pay to see. He’s all action. His skill level is A-plus and Wang Zhimin knows that and he’s not afraid.
“The main event, Rod Kalajdzic vs. Travis Peterkin is the one to watch out for. Kalajdzic loss on his record against Marcus Browne is debatable to those who saw the fight. Travis Peterkin is undefeated, so for me this is a fight of two undefeated fighters in the light heavyweight division, which has Adonis Stevenson, Andre Ward, Sergey Kovalev. It’s a hot division and looking for new blood and hopefully we’ll see it heretomorrow night.”
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
The New Generation: Lippe-Morrison ready for ShoBox debut
Miami, OK (September 22, 2016) – As the son of popular former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison, Trey Lippe-Morrison’s name alone generates attention.
A quick glance at the Oklahoman’s record shows that all 11 of his victories came by knockout, 10 inside of two rounds. Those who dug deeper into Lippe-Morrison’s career will see that he’s trained by legendary Freddie Roach at Wildcard Boxing Club in Los Angeles, CA. On the contrary, his critics note that his name alone generated the buzz rather than his knockouts and many second generation boxers didn’t meet expectations.
On Friday evening at the Buffalo Run Casino, Lippe-Morrison looks to make his TV debut a successful one when he battles fellow unbeaten Ed “Black Magic” Latimore. The bout opens a quadrupleheader on Shobox: The New Generation and is scheduled for 6 rounds. Latimore, 13-0 (7 KO’s), owns amateur wins over former heavyweight champion Charles Martin and 2012 US Olympian Dominic Breazeale. The Pittsburgh, PA native will be Lippe-Morrison’s toughest test to date and he believes the heavy interest in this fight will only elevate his career when he emerges victorious.
“This is a difficult fight for Trey,” said Tony Holden, Lippe-Morrison’s promoter. “Latimore is undefeated and had a good amateur background. He and his team believe this fight will opens doors for him. The interest in this fight is extremely high not just because of whom Trey is but also since there are two unbeaten American heavyweight squaring off early in their careers. The winner is definitely worthy of being considered a top up and coming heavyweight.”
Lippe-Morrison is a member of Holden Productions’ “Four State Franchise” and fought 9 of his 11 fights at the Buffalo Run Casino, a venue he’s helped sell out multiple times. With the hometown advantage and flawless start to his pro career, Lippe-Morrison knows there will be pressure on him but believes he’s ready to handle it.
“There is a little bit of added pressure,” the 26-year-old said of fighting on TV. “There are of course the people that want to see me on the same level at my father but some of it is brought on by me. My team and I believe I’m ready for this. I’ve been getting a lot better and learning every day under Freddie Roach. Freddie says I’m prepared for the step up and he has full confidence in me. Now I’ve got to go out and perform.”
The quadrupleheader airs live on Showtime at 10 PM ET and also features Ivan “The Volk” Golub against James “Keep em’ Sleepin” Stevenson, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk vs Zhimin Wang and Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic taking on “Notorious” Travis Peterkin.
Tickets are sold out and this excellent evening of boxing is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Holden Productions in association with Fight Promotions Inc. and Roc Nation Sports.
UNBEATEN HEAVYWEIGHT PROSPECT TREY LIPPE MORRISON READY FOR TELEVISION DEBUT THIS FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONQUADRUPLEHEADER
“Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Faces Undefeated Travis Peterkin in Main Event,
Ivan Baranchyk, Wang Zhimin in Clash of Unbeaten Junior Welterweights, Welterweight Ivan Golub Risks Perfect Record Against James Stevenson
Live on SHOWTIME® at 10 p.m. ET/PT
NEW YORK (Sept. 21, 2016) – Trey Lippe Morrison is 11-0 with 11 knockouts. He is the son of the late former world heavyweight championTommy “The Duke” Morrison. A Grove, Okla., native, Trey resides in Hollywood, Calif., and is trained by Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym.
This Friday, Sept. 23, Morrison makes his eagerly awaited television debut when he faces fellow unbeaten and Roc Nation prospect Ed Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the second bout of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
Morrison, who turns 27 on Sept. 27, has recorded eight first-round knockouts, two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. He bears a striking resemblance to his late father facially, physique-wise and with his fighting style, wears red, white and blue trunks with “TOMMY” written across the belt. He has fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma; this is his 10th start at Buffalo Run.
A popular member of Holden’s Four State Franchise stable, the 6-foot-2 Morrison is fighting for the first time since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in his most recent bout, a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hawkins last Jan. 23.
Below is what Morrison and Roach said about Trey’s fight against LatimoreFriday, his up-and-coming career, life outside the ring, remembrances of his father, working with Freddie and more:
“I’m going to approach this fight against Latimore just the same way I approached my first 11 fights,’’ said Morrison ahead of the scheduled six-round bout. “I’ve gained a lot of confidence and a lot of new skills, and I’m just honored to be able to showcase them. Being on SHOWTIME is just a huge bonus.”
Morrison’s thoughts on Ed Latimore …
“I’ve watched a little bit of video. He’s really similar to me. The way he bobs his head all the time and is a real aggressive fighter and always comes forward. It’s almost like I’m fighting a clone of myself. He kind of has that Mike Tyson style, and that’s what I expect to see. If he doesn’t come at me that way, then I’ll have to have a game plan for something else.”
Is Latimore your toughest fight to date? …
“Oh, yeah. Sure. 100 percent. His record says it all [13-0, 7 KOs]. He’s athletic. From just what I’ve seen of his past fights, he would be the toughest guy I’ve fought so far.”
On the injury suffered in his last fight …
“I feel like it is 100 percent healed. It was kind of a freak accident. I threw an uppercut and it hit him in the hard part of his head. Since I’ve been able to put my glove on it, it hasn’t been a problem.”
What are the keys to this fight? …
“I think you always find the keys within the first couple rounds of the fight. That’s when you figure someone out. I figure I’m just going to be patient, and wait for my shot and when it comes, take it.”
Tommy was known as a left-hooker, you’re known for a strong right hand? Did you work more on your left when you were sidelined? …
“Oh, yes. Tremendously. I would say me being hurt was a blessing. I think it helped me more than it hurt me. I was really able to develop and sharpen my left hand. So right now I feel like my left hand is just as lethal as my right. I’m confident I can now do everything with my left that I can with my right. I was more of a right-handed fighter before because my left hand wasn’t as developed yet. My timing and my speed wasn’t quite there with my left before, but now I’m good with both.”
On working with Freddie Roach…
“I’ve been working with Freddie for about a year now. I’m living in West Hollywood; right smack dab in the middle of all the craziness. But I stay away from all of it. I’m more of a hermit. If I’m not training, I’m at home. I really don’t go out much. I really just like being alone at times and being at my place. I don’t have many hobbies. I would say I’m a nerd. I like to play video games with my friends online.”
How did you end up with Freddie?
“I originally moved out here to train with Jesse Reid. He decided he wanted to make a move to Las Vegas, and that just wasn’t a move my promoter, Tony Holden, and I were going to make. Since I was already here, Tony had a lunch with Freddie who agreed to look at me. So I had a private session with him and after that he said he’d be willing to work with me.”
How much have you learned under Freddie’s watchful eye? …
“I’ve learned so much — probably everything. And anything I was good at before, he’s sharpened it. I’d probably give him full credit for everything. The guys I’ve sparred with have also taught me a lot. It’s really helped me in every way possible.”
Did you play sports in high school? …
“I played football, basketball and track. I played tight end and defensive end in football and I ran the hurdles and threw the shot and disc. I played four years of college football at the University of Central Arkansas. I played defensive end there. I had a couple of pro teams looking at me, but I screwed up my senior year and ended getting kicked off the team. I made some bad decisions, just being a dumb college kid, and that led to it. When boxing came up, it was like a second chance for me.
“I wasn’t ready for my athletic career to be over. Football ended for me because I made bad decisions. I needed to be told that I wasn’t good enough for me to move on and go out and get a regular job. Around the same time that happened, my dad passed away. My mom told me that Tony Holden had a casino in the next town from where I went to high school. I had never met him before but we went out and had a great time talking about my dad. So I popped the question to him and asked if he’d help me get into boxing. He said absolutely not. I told him I was going to give it a shot because I wasn’t able to give up athletics. He called me back three days later.”
Do you feel pressure being the son of Tommy Morrison? …
“Yeah. I think there’s a lot of pressure on me to do well, and I think that really weighed on me the first couple of fights. That’s always going to be there. No matter who I fight, or how good I do, they are always going to compare me to my dad. I just have to deal with it. There definitely is pressure, but I can deal with it better now.
“When I first started, people were comparing my first fight ever with how my dad ended his career…to his best fight. So obviously I wasn’t going to match up that way. I knew that I’d get better and that one day I’d get there.”
How would you describe your relationship with your father? …
“I’d say our relationship was awesome. We were great friends. You know, our time got cut short, and we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together. But the time we did have was amazing. And we really cherished it.”
Would you think your dad would be proud of you today, following in his footsteps?
“I think he would be proud of me. I wish he was here because the things he would say would help me a lot. I really do think he’d be proud.”
How much has your promoter Tony Holden meant to you?
“I wouldn’t be where I’m at without him. I can’t even put it into words. Honestly, if I would have started boxing without him, no one would know who I was. Everything I have in boxing, is because of him. I met him in October of 2013, two or three months before I got into boxing.”
Freddie Roach, a seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year and 2012 inductee into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, will be in Morrison’s corner Friday in Miami. He said Trey is dedicated, a joy to work with and has continued to improve. But he remains a work in progress.
“Trey’s a very nice person, a simple guy, real polite like most boxers.’’.
“He inherited his father’s punch. He’s a big puncher. He’s learned how to box and is getting better every day. He tries hard. I like the way he’s progressing. He holds his own with some of the veteran guys here at the gym and is doing very well.
“Once he learns to box a little more, he’s going to make a lot more noise in the division. My thoughts on the heavyweights right now is that it is not all that strong of a division. [Anthony] Joshua may be the best, and there are a couple other big names. But I think the division is mostly wide open for guys who have heart and balls and are ready to take it the distance. Trey’s that kind of kid.’’
It was Roach who wanted this fight. “His manager asked me if he was ready and I said he was 100 percent ready. Latimore is his toughest fight, but it’s time to step up.’’
In Friday’s ShoBox main event, once-beaten Radivoje Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), of St. Petersburg, Fla. will try and resume his winning ways when he meets undefeated Travis Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y. in a 10-round light heavyweight scrap. In the co-feature, super lightweight livewire Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., takes on Roc Nation’s Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in a 10-rounder. In a scheduled eight-round bout, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, N.Y. faces James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.
The combined record of the eight boxers on the televised card is 114-3-1 with 78 knockouts.
Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available at buffalorun.com and at stubwire.com.
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhoodand former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
Baranchyk Excited to Impress New Hometown Fans Friday in Miami, OK
Miami, OK (September 19, 2016) – When junior welterweight buzzsaw Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk first fought at the Buffalo Run Casino in March, he was not known by locals. Many of the fans packed the venue primarily to support “Four State Franchise” members Kenzie Morrison, Jesse Cook and Dillon Cook. Things however quickly changed.
On that evening, Baranchyk destroyed fellow unbeaten Nicholas Givhan in 21 seconds with a crushing left hook. Exactly three months later, Baranchyk returned to the Buffalo Run Casino and had the fans watching him closely. The explosive 23-year-old delivered again, stopping another unbeaten fighter Eliseo Cruz Sesma in less than three rounds. A fighter previously unknown to locals quickly became in demand.
“The fans here fell in love with Ivan,” said Promoter Tony Holden, who has promoted fights for more than 25 years. “He’s got a great style that can win over a crowd that may not have known much about him and that’s exactly what he did in his last two fights.”
In August, Holden signed Baranchyk to a co-promotional agreement, working in association with DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc.
Now a member of the “Four State Franchise,” Baranchyk looks to run his record to 12-0 with 11 knockouts when he meets 7-0 Zhimin Wang of China in a ten round contest for the USBA junior welterweight title Friday evening at the Buffalo Run Casino. The Branchyk-Wang bout takes places on a ShoBox quadrupleheader featuring three other exciting matchups between fighters with a combined record of 96-3-1. The card airs live on Showtime at 10 pm ET and tickets to the fight are sold out.
With a win, Baranchyk will likely be ranked in the top 15 and move onto bigger fights. However, the Brooklyn, NY based Russian is solely focused on entertaining his newfound supporters.
Baranchyk said of his upcoming bout, “I’m excited beyond belief to once again fight on Shobox and in my new hometown of Miami, OK. This time (my opponent) is much more serious but I am prepared to fight anyone. I am going to show a high level of boxing and god willing the fight will end early in a knockout.”
EIGHT FIGHTERS WITH A COMBINED RECORD OF 114-3-1 WILL BE FEATURED FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION QUADRUPLEHEADER
FROM BUFFALO RUN CASINO IN MIAMI, OKLA.
Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic Faces Undefeated Travis Peterkin in Main Event,
Unbeatens Ivan Baranchyk, Wang Zhimin Clash for USBA Junior Welter Title,
Welterweight Ivan Golub Risks Perfect Record Against James Stevenson,
Trey Lippe Morrison Meets Ed Latimore in Collision of Unbeaten Heavyweights
Tickets on Sale Now
NEW YORK (Sept. 6, 2016) – Light heavyweight Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic will face unbeaten southpaw Travis “The Notorious” Peterkin in the 10-round main event of a stacked ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, Sept. 23, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.
The combined record of the eight boxers on the televised card is 114-3-1 with 78 knockouts.
Kalajdzic, 25, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Peterkin, 26, of the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, N.Y., will be making their ShoBox debuts and initial 10-round starts.
This is Kalajdzic’s first fight since losing a highly controversial and questionable eight-round split decision to unbeaten 2012 Olympian Marcus Browne last April 16 in Brooklyn. Kalajdzic is clamoring for a rematch with the world-ranked Browne, but he can’t overlook the strong, athletic Peterkin, who is coming off a shutout decision over Larry Pryor last March 30 and is looking for a breakout performance.
In the ShoBox co-feature, super lightweight powerhouse Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (11-0, 10 KOs), of Brooklyn, N.Y., faces Roc Nation prospect’s Wang Zhimin (7-0, 3 KOs, 7-1 WSB), of Nutley, N.J. by way of Ningbo, China, in a 10-rounder for the vacant USBA 140-pound title. In a scheduled eight-round bout, Ukrainian welterweight Ivan “The Volk” Golub (12-0, 10 KOs, 5-0 WSB), of Brooklyn, takes on James “Keep’em Sleepin” Stevenson (23-2, 16 KOs), of Baltimore, Md.
Local favorite and son of the late former world heavyweight champion, Tommy “The Duke” Morrison, heavyweight Trey Lippe Morrison (11-0, 11 KOs) makes his highly anticipated television debut against fellow unbeaten and Roc Nation prospect Ed Latimore (13-0, 7 KOs), of Pittsburgh, Pa., in the six-round telecast opener.
Tickets for the event promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Tony Holden Productions in association with Roc Nation Sports are priced at $35, $55 and $75 and are available atbuffalorun.com and at stubwire.com. (The $35 tickets are sold out).
Kalajdzic (21-1, 14 KOs), a 6-foot-2 native of Bosnia and Herzegovina, turned pro in June 2011. He won his first 21 fights before losing to Browne in a bout in which many felt he won easily. Browne (18-0) landed an occasional hard shot, but Kalajdzic seemed to control the fight with his power and awkward style. Both boxers hit the deck, Kalajdzic (from what appeared to be a slip) in the first, Browne (clearly) in the sixth from a right hand to the head. Receiving credit for a knockdown in which no punch appeared to connect was the difference, and the fans booed when the scores of 76-75, 76-74 and 74-76 were announced.
“I am really excited about this fight and that I am on television again fighting another undefeated southpaw,” said Kalajdzic. “I am continuing where I left off with training camp from my previous fight since it’s another southpaw, so I will be more than prepared. Hopefully, Peterkin comes to fight and not hug like my last opponent did so we can give the fans a good fight.”
Peterkin (16-0-1, 7 KOs) would still have an unblemished record if not for losing two points in an eight-round majority draw with 2008 Dominican Olympian Lenin Castillo (12-0) on Aug. 1, 2015 at Barclays Center. Peterkin had a point deducted in the fourth for hitting after the break and in the fifth for a low blow. The scores were 76-74 and 75-75 twice.
Despite the draw in his outing before last, Peterkin considered this the most gratifying moment of his life. From 2012-14, he stocked and served food in the suites at Barclays. In his most recent effort, Peterkin easily outpointed Pryor by the scores of 80-72 three times in New York. This will be Peterkin’s first fight outside of his home state.
A good boxer with excellent technique, Peterkin was introduced to boxing by his father, Bernard, a 1987 heavyweight Golden Gloves semifinalist, in 2001. He went 95-7 in the amateurs; after winning the 2010 New York Golden Gloves, he went pro in January 2011.
“I was ringside at Hot Rod’s last fight. I respect him, but I saw what his flaws are and will exploit them,” said Peterkin. “I am anticipating a war. Brooklyn is coming to Oklahoma and I will not disappoint. On Sept. 23, greatness beckons.”
Baranchyk, an offensive-minded fighting machine, packs outstanding power in both hands. He’s making his third appearance on ShoBox and third in a row at Buffalo Run. His otherShoBox starts, both first-round knockouts versus undefeated opponents, totaled a combined2:49.
The highly regarded, all-action Baranchyk registered a brutal, two-punch, 21-second stoppage over Nicholas Givhan (16-0-1) last March 25 on ShoBox at Buffalo Run. He scored a 2:28, first-round knockout over Shadi Shawareb (9-0-2) in his ShoBox debut last Dec. 11 in Houston, Texas.
Baranchyk was born in Minsk, Byelorussia and lives in Brooklyn. He’s won eight straight by knockout, including a third-round TKO over previously undefeated Joaquim “Eliseo” Cruz (9-0-1) last June 25 at Buffalo Run. Dominant with his speed and power from the outset, Baranchyk dropped Cruz in the second. Cruz’s corner threw in the towel at 1:07 of the third.
All 10 of the 5-foot-7, 23-year-old Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. He’s fought 22 rounds in an 11-fight career. The only time he went the distance was in his third fight, a four-rounder in December 2014. Baranchyk, a former European amateur standout, turned pro in June ‘14 and relocated to the United States a few months later.
“I couldn’t be more excited about returning to ShoBox,” said Baranchyk. “Zhimin is a very skilled fighter and he will be my toughest opponent yet. However, I intend on ending this bout in devastating fashion. I guarantee you will see Zhimin on his back when the fight is over. I am looking to send a message to the rest of the junior welterweight division that I am someone to be feared.”
Zhimin, 30, turned pro in November 2010 and fought eight times in the WSB through 2011. After a three-year layoff, he relocated to the U.S. and has gone 7-0. He’s coming off an eight-round decision over Matthew Doherty last June 11. Zhimin had great success in the WSB, winning the gold in 2011 in his native China, defeating Yerzhan Mussafirov of Kazakhstan in the tightly contested lightweight final. Before that, he reached the final in the Chinese National Boxing Championship in 2010, where he received a silver medal. In 2012, he won another silver medal, this time at the Erdos International Boxing Competition.
“It’s an honor for me to be a part of this great event,” said Zhimin. “I want to thank the promoters, my team and everyone who gave me this opportunity. My goal is to get that belt. I know it’s a process full of challenges, but I am not afraid of what lies ahead. I know that I will make it. I have faith in myself. I will do whatever I can to prepare myself for this title showdown and give the fans my best performance and bring home the belt.”
Golub, a 27-year-old who, at 6-feet, is tall for a welterweight, turned pro as a middleweight in November 2012. At the outset of his career, he went 5-0 in the WSB. He’s gone 12-0 since, winning 10 by knockout, including his last six in a row, the last three as a welterweight.
In his ShoBox debut, he touched the canvas for the first time in his career, but bounced back to blast out Marlon Aguas with a series of combinations in the closing seconds of the sixth. He won by TKO.
Golub, a southpaw who’s coming off a second-round TKO over Ernesto Ortiz last July 21, was an outstanding amateur. He went 270-32 as an amateur, was a five-time national champion in Ukraine and won bronze at the 2009 World Amateur Championships.
“Stevenson has a lot of experience and I am preparing for a very tough fight,” said Golub. “He is a guy that likes to sit on his punches and trade, which is exactly what I want. Once he feels my power, he is going to be in trouble. This will be an exciting fight for as long as it lasts.”
Stevenson is making his ShoBox debut. A pro since 2008, he won his first 21 scraps until losing by ninth-round TKO to then-undefeated Sammy Vasquez on Aug. 8, 2014. The fight was competitive for five rounds before Vasquez took over. Stevenson went down in the ninth.
The 5-foot-11, 33-year-old Stevenson has won two-of-three since, including a fifth-round TKO over Kevin Womack last May 14 in his first fight in 13 months. A hard-hitting boxer-puncher, Stevenson has feasted on modest opposition and is still seeking a signature victory.
Stevenson has produced a respectable record in spite of his career getting sidetracked by a series of setbacks and tragedies. In 2011, during a routine jog, a dog viciously attacked him, requiring Stevenson to get more than 20 stitches. Shortly thereafter, his father James Stevenson Sr. passed away, as did his mother-in-law.
“I appreciate the opportunity,” said Stevenson. “But they made a big mistake giving me the time to get ready for this fight. I’m training real hard and I’m coming to make a statement. I’m not scared of Golub and I promise it won’t go the distance. I’m putting him to sleep.”
Morrison has registered eight first-round knockouts, two second-round knockouts and one fourth-round KO in a career that began in February 2014. Morrison, who bears a striking resemblance to his late father facially, physique-wise and with his fighting style, turns 27 onSept. 27. He’s fought all but one of his fights in Oklahoma; this is his 10th start at Buffalo Run.
A popular member of Holden’s Four State Franchise stable, the 6-foot-2 Morrison is fighting for the first time since he underwent surgery on his right tendon from an injury suffered in his most recent bout, a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hawkins last Jan. 23.
“I have worked so hard to get to this point and now this is my chance to show the world who I am. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity,” said Morrison. “Latimore is a huge step up in class for me, but I am ready for it. Once I hear those Oklahoma fans and feel the energy inside the arena, I flip a switch and it’s go-time. This is going to be my coming-out party.”
Latimore, who majored in physics in college, is a boxer-puncher expected to give Morrison his toughest test. Latimore is making his ShoBox debut and fourth start this year. He’s coming off an eight-round split decision over Juan Goode last July 15.
The 6-foot-1, 31-year-old Latimore turned pro in January 2013. As an amateur, he won the Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Championships, and was victorious over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF Heavyweight Champion Charles Martin.
“Morrison will be a real test for me,” said Latimore. “It’s never easy to fight someone in their backyard. I just fought in my hometown of Pittsburgh so I know the feeling coming into it and the momentum on fight night. I am looking forward to putting on a good show for all the fans in Oklahoma and those watching on ShoBox.”
Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall withRich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.
SHOWTIME SPORTS® CONTINUES CELEBRATION OF 30 YEARS OF SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® IN SEPTEMBER WITH “BRITAIN’S BEST”
THE BRITISH INVASION
Relive Chris Eubank vs. Nigel Benn II Tonight At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME EXTREME®
Click On The Link Below To Watch, Share or Embed Eubank vs. Benn II: Round 12
Click HERE For To Download For Web Video Player
NEW YORK (Sept. 1, 2016) – The most popular and prolific prizefighters in British Boxing history will be highlighted when SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING’s 30th anniversary year-long celebration continues in September with “Britain’s Best’’ on SHOWTIME EXTREME®.
The featured fighters –Naseem Hamed, Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Carl Froch, Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn– were longtime world champions. Each had a distinctive personality inside and outside the ring, and all helped usher in an era of boxers from Great Britain that currently features a record 14 world champions, including Carl Frampton, James DeGale, Lee Selby and Anthony Joshua.
Of the eight fighters, all but Eubank and Hatton reached dizzying heights by scoring significant victories against distinguished American fighters. Benn blasted out Iran Barkley in 2:57. In his premium network television debut, Hamed dominated Tom “Boom Boom” Johnson and, 10 months later, stoppedKevin Kelly. Calzaghe destroyed Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy. Froch rallied from the brink of defeat to stop Jermain Taylor, and Hatton crushed perennial 140-pound world champion Kostya Tszyu of Australia.
The rivalry between longtime WBO Middleweight and Super Middleweight champion, Eubank, and Benn, a longtime WBC Super Middleweight boss, may have been the most celebrated in U.K. history. Eubank took their savage first fight on a ninth-round TKO; the rematch ended in a draw.
Hamed (2015) and Calzaghe (2014) are members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of September:
- Thursday, Sept. 1: Chris Eubank-Nigel Benn II
- Thursday, Sept. 8: Naseem Hamed-Tom “Boom Boom” Johnson
- Thursday, Sept. 15: Ricky Hatton-Kostya Tszyu
- Thursday, Sept. 22: Joe Calzaghe-Jeff Lacy
- Thursday, Sept. 29: Carl Froch-Jermain Taylor
All fights will air on “Throwback Thursdays” on SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT) throughout the month of September and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.
(Throwback Thursdays/ Fight Synopsis)
Eubank vs. Benn II – Oct. 9, 1993, Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, Lancashire, England
Three years after Eubank rallied to stop defending champion Benn in an intense, fiercely contested battle for the WBO Middleweight Crown that marked the beginning of a great era for British middleweights and super middleweights, the rivals fought to a controversial 12-round draw in a 168-pound unification bout for Eubanks’ WBO and Benn’s WBC titles.
With more than 42,000 fans in attendance roaring their approval, the two legends went at it again from start to finish. There were lots of close rounds with frenzied flourishes at the end of each. The thrilling 12th round is considered a classic as both boxers were told they needed it to win. At the finish, one judge scoring it for Eubank, 115-113, one judge gave it to Benn by the identical score while the third judge had it 114-114.
Hamed vs. Johnson – Feb. 8, 1997, New London Arena, London, England
The undefeated WBO Champion Hamed unified the featherweight division with an eighth-round TKO over respected longtime IBF titlist, Tom “Boom Boom” Johnson. Hamed dominated Johnson, who was making his 12th defense, from the third round on, scoring the bout’s lone knockdown with a huge uppercut in the eighth. Hamed was ahead by 69-63, 69-64 and 69-65 when it was stopped at2:27 of the round.
Four starts later, Hamed won his United States debut with a wild fourth-round knockout over Kelly, a former WBC Champion, at Madison Square Garden.
Hatton vs. Tszyu – June 4, 2005, M.E.N. Arena, Manchester, England
The largely unproven but hungry Hatton scored one of the most sizeable stunners in British history and announced his entry to the upper echelons of the world boxing scene by recording an 11th-round TKO over Tszyu for the unified IBF, Ring and lineal light-welterweight titles.
This is regarded as the signature performance in Hatton’s career; the stamina, aggression and heart he displayed is now legendary. A massive underdog against a dominant, feared champion and one of the world’s top pound-for-pound boxers, Hatton won when Tszyu failed to answer the bell for the 12th round. After 11, Hatton was ahead by 107-102, 106-103 and 105-104.
Calzaghe vs. Lacy – March 4, 2006, M.E.N. Arena, Manchester, England
In the most important and anticipated super middleweight match since Roy Jones defeated James Toney in 1994, Calzaghe produced a masterpiece and the performance of his career, thoroughly overwhelming the previously unbeaten IBF kingpin Lacy. It was a Brit Beatdown at its brutal best, a wipeout from the outset. Calzaghe cut Lacy over both eyes and caused blood to flow from Lacy’s nose midway through a fight that could have been stopped several times, and floored him in the 12th.
By impressively prevailing over Lacy, Calzaghe also earned the The RingChampionship, becoming the first super middleweight to be recognized as world champion by The Ring.
Froch vs. Taylor – April 25, 2009, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Foxwoods, Conn.
Froch registered one of the most dramatic finishes to a world title fight sinceJulio Cesar Chavez, behind on points, stopped Meldrick Taylor two seconds from the end of the 12th round in 1990.
Froch, making his second U.S. start and initial defense of the WBC title, survived a third-round knockdown – the first of his career, amateur and pro – to finish Taylor with 14 seconds left.
Froch hurt and staggered Taylor with a cracking right hand just over a minute into the 12th. Desperate to get the knockout, he continued to belt Taylor all over the ring. With about 90 seconds left, Taylor went down from a barrage of head shots. He barely arose at nine with 0:29 remaining but had no defense for an ensuing barrage of damaging blows.
(The British Invasion/Boxer Capsules)
Chris Eubank (45-5-2, 23 KOs), of Brighton, England, was one of the top British super middles of all-time; he was responsible for helping British boxing ride a peak of popularity in the 1990s. After winning the WBO 160-pound title by stopping Benn and making three subsequent defenses , Eubank moved up to 168, captured the WBO crown and retained it 14 times (12-0-2) over a five-year-period. One of the draws came against WBC champion Benn in world title unification in their rematch in October 1993.
Nigel “Dark Destroyer” Benn (42-5-1, 35 KOs), of West Ham, England, went pro in January 1997 and won his first 22 fights by knockout. He took the WBO 160-pound belt with an eighth-round TKO over Doug DeWitt on April 29, 1990, in Atlantic City. In his first defense, he stunned the boxing world by scoring a devastating TKO 1 over former middleweight world champion Barkley on Aug. 18, 1990. In his next outing, Benn fought Eubank the first time. He captured the WBC 168-belt in October 1992 and made nine successful defenses.
Naseem Hamed (36-1, 31 KOs), of Sheffield, England, was a global superstar. He was known, loved, despised and acclaimed as one of the greatest British pound for pound boxers of all time. He was known for his marvelous movement and entertaining, albeit unconventional antics. He held multiple world championships at featherweight and made 16 consecutive featherweight world title defenses. He was considered the linear world champ at 126 pounds for five years (1995-2000) and was The Ring Magazine’s No. 1 Featherweight Fighter from 1997‑2000.
Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (45-3, 32 KOs) of Manchester, England, is viewed by many as the No. 1 British 140-pounder of all time. He was the 2005 RingMagazine Fighter of the Year, the first British boxer to receive the award since its inception in 1928. He was also the 2005 ESPN and Boxing Writers Association of America Fighter of the Year. During his15-year career (1997-2012), he held various world titles at junior welterweight and one at welterweight. He reached the pinnacle of his profession in June 2005 when he upset Tszyu to seize the unified IBF, Ring and lineal 140-pound titles.
Joe Calzaghe (46-0, 32 KOs) is the longest-reigning super middleweight world champion in history, having held the WBO title for more than 10 years and making 21 successful defenses before relinquishing it to move up to light heavyweight. As his reins at 168 and 175 pounds overlapped, he retired with the longest continual time as world champion of any active fighter. Calzaghe annihilated IBF Super Middleweight Champion Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy to become world super middleweight champion on March 4, 2006. He held the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, Ring magazine and lineal super middleweight titles, as well as The Ring light heavyweight title.
Carl “The Cobra” Froch (33-2, 24 KOs), of Nottingham, England, was a four-time super middleweight world champion who possessed an aggressive, style, toughness and granite chin. Froch won the WBC crown twice and was the WBA titleholder from 2013-2015 and the IBF champion from 2012-2015. In 2013, the BBC listed him as the best British pound-for-pound boxer.
One outing after Froch captured the WBC belt with a triumph over Jean Pascalin May 2008, he rattled the boxing world by producing one of the most remarkable comebacks in history. Rallying from an early knockdown and a four-point deficit on two of the scorecards entering the final round, Froch came on to batter former undisputed middleweight champion Jermain Taylor senseless and knock him out at 2:46 of the 12th on April 25, 2009. A few months later, Froch entered the Super Six World Boxing Classic on SHOWTIME, where he got the only two defeats of his career, losing decisions to Mikkel Kessler, and toAndre Ward in the finals.
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Lippe-Morrison to make TV debut against Latimore September 23
Tulsa, OK (August 27, 2016) – Heavyweight sensation Trey Lippe-Morrison makes his highly anticipated TV debut when he faces fellow unbeaten Ed Latimore as part of a quadruple header on ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, September 23 at 10 pm ET live from the Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, OK.
Living and fighting out of Tulsa, OK, Lippe-Morrison’s 11-0 with all of his wins coming by knockout. A member of Holden Productions’ Four State Franchise, the 26-year-old power punching phenom has been out of the ring since January after suffering a hand injury. Under the watchful eye of 7-time BWAA Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach, Lippe-Morrison’s working hard daily towards his goal to become the heavyweight champion of the world like his late father Tommy.
Latimore, 13-0 (7 KO’s), is without question the toughest opponent of Lippe-Morrison’s career. Fighting out of the Steel City Pittsburgh, PA, Latimore is fresh off a July 15 victory over Juan Goode. Known by his moniker “Black Magic,” Latimore is a former Pennsylvania Golden Gloves, National PAL and Ringside Champion. He also owns amateur victories over 2012 Olympian Dominic Breazeale and former IBF heavyweight kingpin Charles Martin.
“This is a definite step up for Trey but these are the kinds of opponents we need to be fighting on TV,” said Lippe-Morrison’s promoter Tony Holden. “Trey has improved his boxing ability tremendously under Freddie Roach and has dynamic power. At the same time, Latimore is here to spoil the party and was a very good amateur prior to his current run as an unbeaten professional. The fans at the Buffalo Run, where Trey is a favorite, and everybody watching on Showtime are in for exciting fight between two unbeaten heavyweights on the way up, which is a rarity these days.”
Lippe-Morrison and Latimore meet over six rounds.
Brooklyn-based Russian Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk, 11-0 (10 KO’s), puts his perfect record on the line against an opponent to be named in a ten round junior welterweight bout. Baranchyk, who scored back to back first round knockouts on ShoBox at the Buffalo Run, is the newest member of the Four State Franchise.
In a ten round light heavyweight affair, “Notorious” Travis Peterkin, 16-0-1 (7 KO’s), travels from Brooklyn, NY to face once-beaten contender Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic, 21-1 (14 KO’s), of St. Petersburg, FL.
Rounding out the televised portion of the card is fellow Brooklyn-based Russian Ivan “The Volk” Golub, who risks his 12-0 ledger against an opponent TBA over ten rounds in the welterweight division.
The card is promoted by Holden Productions in association with DiBella Entertainment and Fight Promotions Inc. Tickets starting at $35 are on sale now by logging onto http://www.stubwire.com/